Motorist arrested for reckless driving

A 39-year-old motorist was arrested in Ambérieux-d'Azergues, in the Rhône department, after attempting to overtake a vehicle in front of him despite a white lane marking, which indicates a no-overtaking zone.

Vehicle was a gendarmerie unit

The vehicle the motorist tried to overtake was a regularized vehicle of the gendarmerie, the military police force in France responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws.

Driver was under the influence

During the arrest, police discovered that the motorist was under the influence of narcotics, which contributed to the severity of the charges against him.

Court heard the driver's explanation

The driver appeared before the correctional court of Villefranche-sur-Saône on October 14. He admitted to the reckless driving but claimed the gendarmerie vehicle was driving too slowly for his preference.

Court imposed fines and suspended license

The court sentenced the driver to 180 days of fines at 5 euros each, totaling 900 euros, plus an additional 100-euro fine. His driver's license was suspended for nine months, resulting in a total financial penalty of 1,000 euros.